By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Fenerbahce BEKO and Real Madrid are leading the standings (despite the latter’s loss to Podgorica) while CSKA Moscow is threatened by unstoppable Efes, after a round of crazy results.
MVP
Coty Clarke
Beating the champions is a tough business but Buducnost seemed to manage just fine with Clarke taking control of the boards. Our MVP for this round added a respectful double-double of 12 points and 12 boards against Real Madrid in Podgorica, leading his team to an unexpected but well-deserved victory.
BEST FIVE
- Marcelinho Huertas: He came clutch in the final minutes against Olimpia Milano and finished the game with 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
- Kostas Sloukas: Fenerbahce escaped with the win from the Canary Islands, thanks to his 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
- Will Clyburn: His 20 points and 8 rebounds paced CSKA to a tight victory at home vs. Bayern
- Coty Clark: Our MVP for Round 19 was clutch tonight.
- Tarik Black: Maccabi‘s winning route has a lot to do with his presence on the court. He finished with 16 points and six rebounds vs. Barcelona
Coach of the week: Sarunas Jasikevicius
The game against Panathinaikos OPAP was a “do or die contest” for both and against a coaching legend like Rick Pitino, the Lithuanians, despite their injury woes, prevailed. It seems natural for a team coached by Saras to demonstrate character, but the way they did it in front of their crowd had Jasikevicius’ fingerprints all over the final results.
Last word: Khimki fading away
You need luck in order to make it in the EuroLeague and Khimki Moscow Region’s misfortune can’t be compared with anyone this season. As coach George Bartzokas said, Anthony Gill may need back surgery and has to leave for the States, Alexey Shved is still missing and Casey Prather has not yet stepped on the court in an official game. The Moscow club will fight until the end, but the odds are simply against them in the playoffs race.